"There were no restrictions placed on (pitchers) as to delivery, and they could double up like a jack-knife and deliver the ball. That was the way Jim Whitney used to do, and he would let the ball go at terrific speed. It was a wonder that anyone was able to hit him at all. He was the swiftest pitcher I ever saw." - Hall of FamerJim O'Rourke, quoted in Sporting Life of December 4, 1915

Jim Whitney holds the record for most wins in a season with a sub-.500 winning percentage. In 1881, pitching for the Boston Red Caps in his first major league season, he won 31 games but lost 33 and his final winning percentage was only .484. He happened to lead the league in both wins and losses that year too.

In addition to pitching, he also played over 100 games at other positions and was a good hitter, sometimes finishing among league leaders in hitting categories.